Makati City Mayor and senatorial bet Abby Binay said on Monday, April 7, that resorting to excessive security measures are not necessary and would do more harm than good amid the rise of student-related violence in Metro Manila.
Binay made the statement in response to viral videos of violence involving students in public schools that have been linked to bullying. She explained that resorting to body searches and other stringent measures similar to airport security protocols would create a culture of fear among students.
“Schools should not feel like a war zone. We don’t want to create a culture where children feel fear when they go to school,” she said, noting that there have been no mass shooting incidents in schools in the country, unlike in the United States.
“The recent incidents are isolated cases and do not warrant extreme measures,” Binay said.
The mayor also called on school administrators, faculty, community leaders, parents and guardians to work together in keeping schools “safe havens for learning”, particularly through the effective implementation of the Anti-Bullying Act.
“The task of keeping our schools safe havens for learning entails sustained and strategic collaboration among all stakeholders. These include the school administrators, teachers, security guards, parents and guardians, and even the barangay peace and order personnel and the police,” Binay noted.
She also underscored the important role of parents and guardians in preventing bullying and the ensuing incidents of violence involving students.
“I urge parents and guardians to closely monitor your children for any signs of being bullied, or for behavior that may indicate that they are the aggressor. Be active in school activities raising awareness about the dynamics of bullying and help educate your children on how they can protect themselves through peaceful and lawful means,” Binay said.
Shortage Problem
The senatorial aspirant said there is a severe shortage in guidance counselors reported by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) that must be addressed with urgency in light of the increasing incidence of bullying in the country.
“The role of guidance counselors is crucial and indispensable to promoting safe schools. Changes should be made in current policies and standards for this position to attract highly qualified professionals to fill in the vacancies,” Binay said.
According to the EDCOM 2 report in July last year, there are around 4,400 vacant positions for guidance counselor in the country’s public schools.